Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage in Horror Month: An Introduction by Naching T. Kassa

What We Hide Behind the Smile: An Introduction to Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage in Horror Month

By Naching T. Kassa

The first things that probably come to mind when reading the words, “Pacific Islander,” are hula dances, grass skirts, luaus, tiki huts, and coconuts. You probably don’t think of blood, death, or fear.

But you probably should.

People often forget that the smiling, sun-kissed people you see on television or in the movies, are descended from fierce warriors who also practiced cannibalism. They don’t see the shadows within.

We Pacific Islanders possess a rich and varied culture. We also have fascinating legends and myths. As the daughter of a Samoan, Tongan, Filipino, Polynesian, and Maori mother—who had also received a degree in Anthropology from Eastern Washington University—I learned some fascinating and frightening stories.

One of my favorites, involves the Venihi (pronounced Venny-high), a child-eating creature who can appear as a beautiful woman. If you peer at her from the corner of her eye, however, you’ll see a long tongue slip from her mouth and taste the earth. She is served by a mortal man called a Fanau (pronounced Fa-now) who procures her food for her.

There are many more stories, stories of creatures who kill pregnant women, ghosts, sea monsters, little people, and gods. There is even an Urban Legend about Pele, the fire goddess, and how she hitchhikes around the islands of Hawaii. Seeing Pele, and giving her a ride, can ensure you’ll be cursed.

We have so much darkness to work with.

So enjoy this celebration of Horror Writers of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander heritage. Read those who are interviewed here. This is your opportunity. Take a peek at what we hide…behind our smiles.

Naching T. Kassa is a wife, mother, horror writer, and Talent Relations Manager at Crystal Lake Entertainment. She is a proud member of the Horror Writers Association, Mystery Writers of America, and The Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association.